Automatic thread-detecting and stop mechanism



Marll 11 1924.. 1,486,483

M. F. FIELD AUTOMATIC THREAD DETECTING AND STOP MECHANISM Filed Nov. 12. 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 11 1-924. 11,486,483

' M. F. FIELD AUTOMATIC THREAD DETECTING AND STOP MECHANISM Filed Nov 12 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet Z Mwch n 1924.1 1,486,483

N1 F: FlELlJ AUTOMATIC THREAD DETECTING AND STOP MECHANISM Filed Nov. 12, 1920 3 SheetsSheet 5 {:1 35 v 27 n i 4.]

iiliiiiifiiij ifigiIiiiiiiiiiiiiiilii!55i!fliiiiliiiiliiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiliiliiliiliiIii!iiliiiiiiiliiiiiiiliiliiliiliiliiiiliiliiliiliiiiliiliiliiililliliiliiiiliiiiiliiliiliililiililii Patented Mar. 11, 1924.

PATENT OFFICEQ MILLARD F. FIELD, OF WINTHROP, MASSACHUSETTS.

AUTOMATIC THREAD-DETECTING AND STOP MECHANISM.

Application filed November 12, 1920.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, MILLARD F. FIELD, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Winthrop, in the countyof Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Automatic Thread-Detecting and Stop Mechanism, of which the fol lowing description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

My present invention relates to yarn and thread twisting machines, and the object of the invention is to improve and perfect machines of that type, and more particularly to provide automatic controlling and stopping mechanism to detect the breakage of a thread and control the stopping of the machine. 1

My invention is particularly applicable to the type of beam or creel twisters, such for example as the Saco-Lowell beam or creel twisters now in general use, and the present invention is herein shown embodied in a machine of this general type. In such twisting mechanism, where a single beam or a plurality of creels are employed, or where a twister utilizing a plurality of rows of small spool creels is used, great difficulty has heretofore been found in endeavoring to apply any thread detecting mechanism thereto. The compactness of the machine, the necessary intricacy of the twister mechanism, the large number of single threads which are led from the beam, creel, or from the plurality of spool creels to be united and twisted in a single cord and in a relatively short space, as well as the fact that the pull- .ing tension permitted upon each single thread, was necessarily slightihave all combined to render a thread breaking detector device of great difficulty in machines of this type. In fact, it has been customary, prior to my present invention, to run these twisters entirely without any device whatever to detect the breaking of the threads and consequently, after the cops have been wound completely and the machine is stopped for their removal, the operator usually counts the number of threads leading to each cop to see that the original number are still so led, and if not then the entire cop is thrown away. Thus for example if an eight thread 7 twister is being manufactured, the twister Serial No. 423,703. a

is usually run until the cops are all wound and the threads leading from the beam or creels to the guides are counted, and if only seven are found to one cop, the entire wound cop is thrown away. This necessarily means a very great waste, but heretofore seemed to be impossible to rectify because of the difficulties of the twister mechanism and the lack of any room or space about which to apply the detector. My invention enables a detector to be applied to each thread and to operate mechanism, either electrically or mechanically, to instantly stopthe entire machine and cease the winding operation until the broken thread can be repaired. In order to carry out this invention, I have also devised apparatus suitable for application to present existing types of twister machines, without disarranging the operating mechanism or materially varying the tension on the threads nor otherwise increasing the power required to run the machine while actually permitting a decided increase in speed of operation because of eliminating the danger of breakage and damage. I first apply to the twister a guide member around which the separate threads to be twisted into a single cord are led in spaced relation and thus I provide a predetermined spacing position, and point during the line of travel of the threads, while separate, to which to apply a detector. Thus I provide a detecting space or station on the separate threads as they are led from the beam, creel or spools, and before they are converged in the subsequent operation of uniting and twisting into the completed cord. Therefore my invention,

broadly considered,comprises means to afford a detectingv space or station along the line of travel of the individual threads, holding the same in spaced relation, so that each thread may receive a suitable detecting member, which member will be automatically moved or displaced from its former position upon the breaking of its thread, and which member will thereupon act to stop the mechanism. I may utilize this movement of the detector in any of a variety of ways, either by establishing an electrical circuit, and connecting the same with a single alarm or other device to call the attention of the operator thereto, or to instantly operate a clutch or switch running the twister mechanism. I may also utilize the displacement of such a detector to extend into the path of the mechanical element, such as the vibrator in loom mechanism, and thus mechanically stop the mechanism, and hold the same stopped until the broken thread is repaired.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide detecting mechanism which can be quickly and readily assembled into operative position by a practically automatic thread engaging action, thus saving time inthe threading of the twister threads and fitting of the indicator device for each thread. This feature may be incorporated in various ways, but as herein shown in preferred form, I provide a hollow guide roll having a longitudinal slot therein, upon which guide roll the separate threads, in alternate groups as is customary, are led, filling the'rol'l and slot'with the thread detecting devices, then rotate the entire roll so as to bring the separate thread engaging members into operative position with the threads, which will automatically separate and engage each thread with its corresponding detector, as will be more fully explained hereafter.

This hollow guide roll is a tube which will contain within itself the detecting devices, which tube is not only a guide roll andcarrier for the detecting instrumentalities but is also a protecting enclosure therefor, guarding the devices, keeping them at all times in condition for instant operation, preventing dust, lint from the machine, water or other foreign substances, from interfering with the necessarily somewhat delicate mechanism of the detectors. This feature is of great practical importance because in mechanism of the kind on which my detector is applied, the flying lint alone is a constant source of trouble and clogs or renders inoperative ordinary exposed detecting devices. The rotation of the tube or hollow guide roll as heretofore described, to aid in separating and alining the threads with their respective detectors, is effected without seriously eX-' posing the interior of the tube to dust or the like. I

This rotatable capacity of the guide roll is of further importance in that I may utilize this rotatable v motion to determine the extent of the strain, weight or tension, of each detector bearing upon its thread by the angular position of the roll with regard to the position in which the detector lies. Thus, where a relatively slight weight or tension is desired on the thread'because the angle untilthe entire weight of each detector is borne by the thread. This featureis of very considerable practical importance and gives me "an adjustable tensioning arrangement suitable for a wide ange of work and furthermore enables all the detectors to be uniformly tensioned and simultaneously so tensioned by a partial rotation of the guide carrying them. This is a distinct novelty, so far as I am aware, and this feature also I wish to claim broadly herein. I r p r In the present application I have illustrated a preferred embodiment wherein the entire detecting apparatus is self c'ontained within an auxiliary guide roll or rod, thus eliminating projecting points, etc., and also providing a threading action or positioning of each thread and its detector in operative relationship can be effected substantially automatically and by a partial rotation of the roll.

In my copendi-ng application, Ser. No. 423,704, filed Nov. 12, 1920, I have illustrated a modified form of detector, wherein a construction provides for a. suitable horizontal length of the threads on which separate detectors may be fitted and which operate individually by moving upon the breaking of any thread supporting" it. In

construction; whereby the both the present forms, I employ an'elec- Referring to the drawings, illustrating a preferred embodiment of my invention,

Fig. 1 is an end view of a beam twister of the double cop type wherein my inven tion is embodied; V I

Fig. 2 is an enlarged diagrammatic view illustrating in perspective'the lead of the threads around and through the detector mechanism; P

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the guide roll containing the thread detectors with a portion of the outside broken away; Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional View on the line 44 of Fig. 3; r

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional View showing the detector in normal and inoperative posi' tion, with the thread running unbroken around the detecting station;

Fig. 6 is a corresponding-cross-sectional view illustrating a detector dropped and in signalling position when the thread is broken; and

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional ing a modification."

Referring to the drawings, I have illustrated in diagrammatic form an end view of a part of'a frame 1 of the twister mechanism. On this frame is supported a beam Or creels designated at 2 and mounted to rotate on an axle 3 arranged in suitable bearings, carried by a plurality of standards at the top of the machine. It is customary to lead off the desired plurality of threads for subsequent twisting and winding into a cord, in successive groups at alternate right and left sides of the creel 2, as indicated at 5 and 6, Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in thedrawings, I have illustrated an eight thread cord being made. Each of these successive groups of eight threads each, designated generally at 5 and 6. are led to eye guides on I-beams at opposite sides as shown at 7 and 8 respectively on the I-beams 9 and 10. From these eyes in which the eight threads of each group are converged, the combined mass of threads are led to and around the feed andtension rolls 12 and 13, preferably through second eye guides 11, 11, and thence from feed rolls directly to the guides 15 and 20. Additional guides 16 are usually employed, through which the combined threads are wound.

To apply my invention'of automatic detecting and stop mechanism, I provide suitable cross-bars 21 which may be bolted or otherwise secured to the standards support ing the bearings for the axles 3 of the creel or beam 2, these crossbars 21 having a groove near each opposite end to receive a cylinder25. This cylinder constitutes the guide, the detecting station and the container for the detecting devices as well as the electrical conducting members to efiect the signalling or other indication when a thread is broken. Preferably I extend the crossbars 21 sufiiciently 'so that the tubes 25 will act as tension guide rods for the groups of single threads 5 and 6 as they are led from the creel 2 between the creel and the first eye guides 7 and 8 respectively. This enables me to provide a spaced guide member around which the separate groups of threads may be led in spaced relation, and the detector mechanism assembled in operative position relatively therewith. Furthermore this arrangement of a guiding tube enables me to fit all the detecting devices within the tube and thus eliminate projecting members, parts or mechanisms which might complicate the twister machine and thus I secure the advantages of compactness, as well as an economical and eflicient construction. These tubes 25 are preferably formed with a longitudinal slot therein. see Figs. 5 and 6, and at each side of this slot opening are fitted filler members 26 and 27, one memher, here shown at 27, being an insulating material and carrying thereon a metallic plate 30. Preferably the filler 27 is in the form of a quarter segment, only partially filling the inner part of the tube 25 and secured in position by a plurality of lag screws 28 with a facing plate 29 adjacent the opening of the slot. The filler 26 may be similarly secured with a metallic face plate 31, also adjacent the slot in the tube and spaced sufficiently from the face plate 29 to allow for sliding clearance thercbetween of the detector member This detector 35 is formed with its upper part 36 in the shape of a hook of suflicient extent to reach the plate 30 when the member 35 is dropped or slid downwardly as shown in Fig. 6. The lower portion of each detector 35 is formed as best illustrated in Fig. 3 with a thread engaging slot 37, each slot adapted to receive one of the threads of the group, as indicated at 5, Fig. 3, and preferably with the opening to said slot 3 of flared or wedge shaped form, as shown at 39.

The operation of the apparatus will be readily understood. The threads 5, for example, being led around the tube 25 from the creel 2 to the eye guide 7, are maintained in spaced relation and are conducted through the slots in each of the detectors, provided for the group. Upon breaking of a thread 5, the detector 35 drops by gravity and the head 36 contacting with the conductor 30 fitted in the insulating material 27, and said head bearing against the face plate 31, thus affords a completion of an electric circuit through the detector 35 and the plates 31 and 30 to an indicator 40. It will be understood that the tube 25 is fitted or filled with the detectors 35 by simply sliding the same in the slots therefor from either end of the tube and preferably with said tube in inverted position, so that the detectors will be positioned with the heads 36 downwardly and the latter resting against the inner surfaces of the tube 25, the various groups of threads 5, 5, etc., being then led oif from the creel around the tube 25 and to the eye guides when the machine is being threaded, is'thus easily made with the projecting portions of the detectors 35 turned upwardly and out of the way. Thereupon the operator rotates the tube 25 partially, bringing the projecting wedge and slot portions of each detector into engagement with the groups of threads, and thus automatically guides each thread into its respective detector slot 37. In case one or more threads do not happen to fit within the slots as desired, they can be readily so affixed by hand, but usually this rotating action will act to produce the automatic threading, as above explained.

It will be appreciated that my automatic detector can readily be employed for any desired number of spacings or thread groupings, the detectors are easily filled into the tube 25 by sliding same through the slot opening therein, and will be held in adjusted and spaced position by the action of the drawing threads as they. are unwound from the beam or creel 2. The action of the detector is instantaneous and independent of each other, and permits a ready repair when the thread 1s broken. I prefer to have Referring to Fig. 7, I have illustrated a modifiedform of detector, wherein the tube 25 is fitted with a crossbar Within .the tube andthe detector is in the form of a forked member united near its lowermost portion to leave theprojecting arms 61 and 62 to straddle the thread 5 and with the upper portion formed with a slot 63 adapted to straddle and slide upon the rod 55. I prefer to make this crossrod 55 somewhat elongated to hold the detector 60 in Vertical position. In this particular form I may'fit a plurality of washers 65 between each detector 60 to provide spacing, if the same is requisite. The crossbar 55, preferably of non-metallic material, carries a conducting bar 66, in the uppermost portion and upon this conducting bar the top of the detector 60 will drop when the thread 5 breaks,'the detector 60 being metal and the slot in the tube 25, through which it slides, as indicated at 51, being a relatively tight sliding fit, completes the electric current through the bar 66 and the shell of the tube 25 and actuates the indicator, bell, clutch, lever or other stop signal mechanism.

In both the forms as above explained, it is feasible to provide an adjustment of tension on the threads, by a partial rotative action of the hollow guide roll 25 containing the detectors 35 or 60. lVith the roll in a position so that the said detectors are horizontally alined, this is, of course, the position in which the entire weight of each detector is borne by the sliding or contacting surfaces adjacent thereto and rigid with the roll. As the roll 25'is turned to bring the detectors into position sothat they will slide down wardly, with their weight bearing upon the threads to be engaged by each one, the

weight, tension or strain of each detector,

increases until the roll is turned with the de tectors in vertical position, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 5 and 7. This is the position will be correspondingly varied. This is most desirable in practise, as in such instance, such extremely fine threads or threads of such slight tensile strength, are used, that even the weight of a wire such as the cletector 35, isaptto break the same. However, by means ofthe adjustment of tension decreasing the weight, and consequently the strain of each detector on its thread,my invention enables the finest thread which can be drawn to support sucha detector, as those herein shown. I The further feature of having a uniform tension of all the detectors effected simultaneously, by the partial rotation of the roll,-is also of importance and is claimed broadly herein.

My invention, while primarily directed to an automatic detecting mechanism for machines of the class described, also is important because of providing a guide roll which preferably is the detector roll 25, around which the plurality of groups of threads to be twisted into each cord are led in spaced relation. This construction of interposing a roll, guard, or guide directly between the creel and the-guide eyes 7, thereby holding the threads in spaced relation, is an important feature of my invention, entirely aside view by an operator as to whether or not the threads are running true and in desired condition, entirely without the operation of the detecting mechanism, or if for any reason the detector members 35 are not fitted or if the signalling device is not in operation. Thisv feature being of importance, I wish to claim.

the samealso broadly herein.

My invention is further described and de fined in the' form of claims as follows:

1. A machine ofthe kind described, comprising means from which a plurality of threads are unwound, a plurality of winding devices on which cords comprising a group of said threads are twisted and wound, and thread detector mechanism interposed between the unwinding meansand the winding means operable on the breaking of a thread, in combination with a member enclosing said detector mechanism.

2. Twister mechanism of the kind described, adapted to twist a. plurality of groups of threads into a cord formed of each group, combined guide and detector mechanism spaced from the twisting devices and carrying means to detect the breaking of a thread in any group, in combination with means to effect an indication on such thread breaking, and means to partially enclose the detector mechanism.

3. Twister mechanism of the kind described, adapted to twist a plurality of groups of threads into a cord formed of each group, combined guide and detector mechanism spaced from the twisting devices and carrying means to detect the breaking of a thread in any group, in combination with means to effect an indication on such thread breaking by a signal.

4. Twister mechanism of the kind de' scribed, adapted to twist a plurality of groups of threads into a cord formed of each group, combined guide and detector mechanism spaced from the twisting devices and carrying means to detect the breaking of a thread in any group, in combination with means to effect an indication on such thread breaking by closing an electric circuit and producing a signal, the guide and detector mechanism being enclosed in a hollow tube.

5. Automatic thread detector mechanism, consisting in a hollow guide member over which a plurality of groups of thread in spaced relation are led, means extending within said member adapted to contact with each thread and mechanism permitting the movement of said thread contacting means upon the breaking of a thread to automatically indicate said thread breaking.

6. Automatic thread detector mechanism, consisting in a hollow guide member over which a plurality of groups of thread in spaced relation are led, means extending Within said member to hold the threads in spaced relation, and means to support said member to enable the operator to view and count groups of threads led thereover.

7. Automatic detector mechanism for twisting machines, comprising means to space each group of threads to be twisted into a cord, said guiding means affording a detecting station, interposed between the thread converging guides and the unwinding spools, and means contacting with each thread in spaced relation at said station to indicate automatically the breaking of a thread, said spacing means partially enclosing the detector mechanism.

8. Automatic stop mechanism for twisting machines, comprising converging, guiding means to space each group of threads to be twisted into a cord, said guiding means affording a stopping station, interposed between the thread converging guides and the unwinding spools, and means contacting with each thread in spaced relation at said station, to stop the machine automatically upon the breaking of a thread, said spacing means enclosing, protecting, and carrying the thread contacting means for stopping the machine upon breakage.

9. Automatic thread detecting and indicating mechanism for twister machines, comprising a rotatable member constituting a combined guide, roll, and detector, means carried by the rotatable member to engage the threads in spaced relation, and means partially within said roll to effect an indication of thread breaking, and produce a signal externally thereof.

10. Thread detecting and indicating mechanism comprising means to engage a plurality of threads and means to adjust the same to adjust the tension of a plurality of threads simultaneously.

11. Automatic stop mechanism for twisting machine, comprising a plurality of combined thread guiding and thread detect-ing mechanisms, a roll carrying said mechanisms, and means to adjust the tension pres sure of the detector mechanism on each thread by a partial rotative movement of said roll.

12. Automatic stop mechanism for twisting machines, comprising a plurality of combined thread guiding and thread detect ing mechanisms, a roll carrying said mechanisms, and means to adjust the tension of all the detecting mechanisms on all threads simultaneously by an angular positioning of the guide roll carrying said detector mechanism.

13. Automatic thread detecting and indicating mechanism for twisting machines comprising, in combination, means for supporting, carrying, and spacing groups of threads to be twisted into a cord, a plurality of independently operabl mechanisms enclosed within said means and devices extending therefrom into position to be engaged by the threads of. the group operable automatically on the breaking of any thread in the roup to control an indicating device.

14. Automatic detector mechanism for twisting machines comprising means contacting with a plurality of threads arranged in spaced relation to indicate automatically the breaking of a thread and a combined supporting and enclosing means therefor whereby such indicating means is protected from flying dust, lint, and the like.

15. In an automatic detector mechanism for twisting machines, the combination of means contacting with each thread or" a group of threads arranged in spaced relation to indicate automatically the breaking of a thread, and supporting and enclosing means for said indicating means cooperating to enclose and protect the indicating means and supportv the threads of the group in spaced relation. 7

16. In an automatic thread detector mechanism. the combination of a slotted tube, thread detecting devices carried thereelectric circuit, said detecting devices coop- 1 :Intestimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

MILLARD F. FIELD. 

